Objective: To explore a new method for treatment of chronic lumbar muscle strain.

Methods: One hundred and fifty cases were randomly divided into 2 groups, an observation group of 78 cases and a control group of 72 cases. The observation group was treated with bee-needle therapy, with Jiaji (EX-B 2) on the loin and Shenshu (BL 23), Zhishi (BL 47), Ciliao (BL 32), Weizhong (BL 40), Ashi points selected as main; and the control group was treated with routine acupuncture at the same points as those in the observation group, in combination with fire-cupping or warm needle moxibustion. They were treated once daily, 10 sessions constituting one course. After 3 courses and a half year later, therapeutic effects were observed and followed up.

Results: In the observation group, 49 cases were cured, 27 improved, 2 ineffective, with a cured rate of 62.8%, and in the control group, the corresponding figures were 29, 40, 3 and 40.3%, with a significant difference between the two groups in the cured rate (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of the bee-needle therapy on chronic lumbar muscle strain is better than that of the routine acupuncture, which provides a better method for treatment of chronic lumbar muscle strain.